Air-Fryer Caramelized Onions: A Quick, Easy Treat?

Caramelized onions are a delicious addition to any meal, but making them on a stovetop can be a tedious task. Luckily, you can make caramelized onions in an air fryer with minimal effort and time! Air-fried onions are a healthier alternative to oil-fried onions as they reduce the calorie count without compromising on the taste and texture. You can use any type of onion and oil of your choice, along with seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. The air fryer's ability to caramelize onions without the need for constant stirring makes it a convenient and mess-free option. So, if you're looking for a quick and easy way to add some flavor to your burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, or salads, give air fryer caramelized onions a try!

Choosing the right onion

• Type of Onion: Yellow, white, red onions, shallots, and sweet onions such as Vidalia onions are all great options for caramelization. Yellow onions are a versatile choice and provide a good balance of sweetness and mild bitterness. Red onions offer a deeper flavour with a slightly bitter edge, while white onions bring a bit more bite. Sweet onions, as the name suggests, will add extra sweetness to your dish. Shallots fall somewhere in between, offering a nice balance of sweetness, bright and rich flavours, and a hint of bitterness.
• Mixture of Varieties: Using a mixture of different onion varieties can result in an even more complex and flavourful dish. Combining the unique characteristics of different onions can enhance the taste and aroma of your caramelized onions.
• Personal Preference: Ultimately, the choice of onion depends on your personal preference and the specific dish you are preparing. If you prefer a milder taste, opt for sweeter varieties like Vidalia or white onions. For a bolder flavour, yellow or red onions may be a better choice.
• Availability: Consider what onions are readily available to you. Using locally sourced or seasonal onions can ensure freshness and potentially enhance the flavour of your dish.
• Size and Quantity: Select onions that are uniform in size to ensure even cooking. For a larger batch of caramelized onions, you will need more onion slices than you think, as onions will shrink significantly during the cooking process due to moisture loss.
• Freshness and Quality: Always choose fresh, firm onions with smooth, dry skins. Avoid onions that are sprouting, have signs of mould, or feel soft and squishy.
• Taste Test: If possible, conduct a small taste test by slicing a small piece of the onion and tasting it raw. This will give you an idea of the onion's sweetness, pungency, and overall flavour.

Remember, the type of onion you choose will impact the final flavour and texture of your caramelized onions, so select the variety that best suits your culinary needs and taste preferences.

Oil and seasoning

Oil is an important ingredient when making caramelized onions in an air fryer. It helps the onions cook evenly and prevents them from drying out. You can use a variety of oils, such as olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, or even coconut oil. The amount of oil used can vary depending on personal preference, but typically, a small amount is needed to coat the onions. For example, one source recommends using 1 tablespoon of oil for one large onion, while another suggests 2 tablespoons of oil for 2 large onions.

Seasoning is entirely optional when making caramelized onions in an air fryer, but it can add extra flavor. You can keep it simple by just using salt and pepper, or get creative by adding garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian herbs, or balsamic vinegar. If you're making caramelized onions to top burgers or sandwiches, you might want to try using a burger or sandwich seasoning blend. You can also add a bit of sugar to enhance the caramelization process and make the onions even sweeter.

When preparing the onions, it's important to slice them evenly. You can use a sharp chef's knife or a mandolin to get thin, even slices. Then, place the sliced onions in a bowl and add the oil and any desired seasonings. Toss the onions until they are well-coated, and then proceed with air frying according to your preferred method.

Avoiding the Instant Pot BURN

Yes, you can make caramelized onions in an air fryer! Here's a recipe for you:

Air Fryer Onions

Ingredients:

1 large yellow onion, sliced

2 tablespoons of ghee or oil

Instructions:

Preheat the air fryer to 400 F for 5 minutes. Thinly slice the onion using a sharp chef's knife or mandolin. Place the sliced onions in a bowl and add ghee or oil. Mix well using a silicone spatula. Add the onions to the air fryer basket, spreading them evenly. Air fry at 320 F for 20 minutes, mixing and spreading them evenly every 5 minutes.

Now, here are some tips for avoiding the Instant Pot "BURN":

• The "BURN" notice is part of the Instant Pot's overheat protection system. It means that the inner pot has gotten too hot, and food may be burning on the bottom.
• To fix this, press "Cancel" and release the steam and pressure by turning the steam valve to the venting position.
• Check the sealing ring and float valve. If they are damaged or dirty, this can prevent the pot from sealing and pressurizing properly.
• Stir the contents of the pot and check if there is any food stuck to the bottom. Remove any burnt food and add more liquid if needed.
• Make sure the heating element on the cooker base and the underside of the inner pot are clean.
• If your recipe involves sautéing ingredients before pressure cooking, always deglaze the pot afterward by adding a bit of liquid and scraping up any stuck-on bits.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket when cooking onions. This will help them cook evenly.
• For softer onions, cook for around 8 minutes. For crispier, more caramelized onions, cook for up to 14 minutes.

Clean-up

• Unplug the Air Fryer and Let it Cool: Always make sure to unplug your air fryer from the power source and let it cool down completely before attempting any cleaning. This is important for your safety and to avoid any damage to the appliance.
• Remove the Basket or Drawer: Take out the basket or drawer from the air fryer. Most models have a detachable basket or drawer that can be easily lifted out.
• Dispose of Any Remaining Onions: If there are any leftover onions in the basket, transfer them to an airtight container for storage. You can store caramelized onions in the refrigerator for up to a week, so you can use them in other dishes or as a tasty topping.
• Wipe Down the Basket or Drawer: Using a soft, damp cloth or sponge, gently wipe down the basket or drawer. This will help remove any excess oil or residue from the cooking process. If there is any stuck-on residue, you can use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to gently scrub it away. Avoid using abrasive cleaning pads or harsh chemicals, as these may damage the coating on the basket or drawer.
• Clean the Rest of the Air Fryer: While the basket or drawer is drying, wipe down the exterior and interior of the air fryer. Use a damp cloth to remove any fingerprints, grease splatters, or dust from the outside. For the inside, gently wipe down the heating element and any surfaces that may have been splattered with oil or food residue during cooking. Be careful not to get the heating element or any electrical components excessively wet.
• Reassemble and Store: Once everything is clean and dry, reassemble your air fryer by placing the basket or drawer back into the unit. Store it in a cool, dry place until your next use.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your air fryer clean and well-maintained, ensuring that it remains in good working condition. Not only will this make your cooking experience more enjoyable, but it will also help extend the lifespan of your appliance. So, the next time you're craving caramelized onions, don't dread the cleanup—with an air fryer, it's a quick and easy process!

Serving suggestions

Caramelized onions made in an air fryer can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:

Sandwiches and Burgers

Air fryer caramelized onions are a perfect topping for sandwiches and burgers. They add a sweet and savoury flavour to your favourite burgers, whether they are homemade or air-fried. They can also be added to grilled cheese sandwiches or served with goats cheese on bruschetta as an appetiser.

Tacos, Fajitas, and Burritos

Air fryer onions are a great addition to Mexican dishes like tacos, fajitas, and burritos. They provide an extra punch of flavour and a sweet, caramelized taste that complements the other ingredients.

Bowls and Sides

Caramelized onions can be added to rice bowls, grain bowls, or mashed potatoes for a flavour boost. They can also be served as a simple side dish with other roasted vegetables, or as a topping for loaded fries or nachos.

Pizzas and Pasta

Sprinkle some air fryer onions on top of your pizza or pasta for a quick and easy flavour enhancer. They can also be stirred into pasta dishes or cooked into a frittata for a more substantial meal.

Breakfast Dishes

Add some caramelized onions to your breakfast omelette or scrambled eggs for a flavourful twist. They can also be incorporated into breakfast casseroles or breakfast sandwiches for a heartier morning meal.

Soups and Stews

Air fryer onions can be used in soups and stews to enhance the savoury flavour. They are especially good in French onion soup or slow cooker soups like chicken and corn soup or minestrone soup.

Salads

Caramelized onions can be added to salads, providing a sweet and tangy flavour. They are also great in dips, either on their own or folded into creamy sour cream or Greek yogurt-based dips.

Bread and Breading

Air fryer onions can be used in homemade bread recipes or as a breading for chicken cutlets, adding a savoury and slightly sweet taste to your baked goods.

Freezer-Friendly

If you have leftover caramelized onions, you can freeze them for later use. They can be frozen for up to 6 months and then added directly to recipes like French onion soup or chicken dishes.

Frequently asked questions